Garnet couldn’t move. Her eyes were unfocused, vaguely aware that she was looking at the ground. A pool of deep red blood had formed underneath Mistress Emilia’s body. Her hands were still wrapped around the grip of the sword. Amber was saying something behind her, but she couldn’t make out the words at all. She was in shock. Why did I do that?

Amber wrapped her arms around Garnet’s upper body, but she still didn’t move. I killed Mistress Emilia. I– What do I–

“Garnet, please, we need to go!” Amber’s voice was quiet but distressed.

“I– What did I– Amber, why!?” Garnet released the sword. It clattered to the ground. “What did you do!?”

“I’ve done exactly what we set out to do! You fought for this!”

It felt like so long ago. A month in Mistress Emilia’s castle had changed so much. She hated the memories of fighting, of raising an army. They were painful now, a reminder of a time where she wasn’t devoted to her Mistress. But now–

“It’s too much to process right now, Garnet. We need to get you out of here. Please, will you just come with me?”

She didn’t budge. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from the body lying on the floor. Tears were welling in her eyes. “I need her. I won’t, Amber! How could you!?” Garnet ripped itself away from Amber’s grasp. “I thought you wanted to be here with us! I wanted you to stay!”

“Please, please calm down! She was going to hurt us, Garnet! You’re so much more than just her toy, and I can help you remember that! But please don’t make me force you out of here.” Amber looked as determined as she ever had. She stretched out her hand and placed it on Garnet’s shoulder. Garnet didn’t try and pull away again, so Amber began to guide her back to the Empress’ chambers. Amber sat her in a chair inside and closed the doors behind them, then turned to one of the nearby bookshelves. She started sorting things and laying them out on a nearby table.

Amber always says she just wants what’s best for me, but… She leaned forward, putting her head in her hands. Who am I? The question struck her suddenly, with a massive force behind it. She looked across the room. Amber had given up on any attempt at tidiness, turning drawers inside out and leaving them. “What’s been happening to me, Amber?”

You gave yourself up to me.

Her partner looked up, blinking her yellow eyes. “I… It’s hard to explain. I only have a very basic and incomplete understanding. That’s why I’m looking for books that might be useful for our situation.” She set a book aside, and then put another in a bag. “I’m going to figure out how to fix everything she did.”

Garnet’s mouth opened. She was afraid to say what she was thinking, but she knew she had to. “I– What if I don’t want you to?”

The chamber became completely silent. Garnet couldn’t bear to look at Amber. She stared at the patterned rug on the ground. Why did I say that? She won’t–

“Then we’ll figure something out.” She hadn’t heard Amber approach her, but her partner’s hand under her chin tilted her eyes upward. “But… Even if you don’t want to, I will not have the woman I love reduced to something that cannot take care of itself. We can talk about it. But we need to get you out of here first.”

Garnet let herself relax in Amber’s hands. “Amber, did you… Did you know that I would do that?”

“Truly, Garnet… I didn’t. I didn’t know what you were going to do. I just… I hoped that my brave knight would protect me in that moment.” She smiled. “And she did.”

The redhead smiled softly as she heard Amber’s reply. “I would do anything for you, Lady Amber.” She would. “What are we going to do?”

Amber kissed Garnet’s fingers, then stood up and went back to the shelves. “I’m also trying to see if there’s anything particularly valuable we can take before I sneak you out of here,” she said, continuing to empty drawers and cabinets. “Did you see where Selene went? I lost track of her after Mist–” She winced ever so slightly and paused. “After the Empress dropped her to the floor.”

Garnet shook her head. “No, I was… I wasn’t really there? I was entranced, I think. I saw what was happening, but…” She felt the familiar lust rising between her legs thinking about how mindless she’d been back in front of Mistress Emilia. Its proper place, now torn away from it.

Amber sighed and nodded. “Yes, that makes sense. You were very out of it.”

You’re a mindless slut who craves defeat.

Garnet shifted in its chair. “Amber, are you sure we need to get out so quickly?”

“Yes. There’s no telling what might happen if we stay here. I have no idea what kind of traps she may have hidden around here.” Amber tossed a drawer, then looked up at the wall. There was a large painting of Mistress Emilia hanging there. Amber reached a hand out and touched it gently. A second later, both of her hands were on the frame, tearing it off of the wall. The painting clattered to the ground, revealing an alcove behind it. “That’s it. That’s what I thought she’d have.” Amber began to dump the contents of the Empress’ stash into another bag. “Garnet, come help me carry this.”

Garnet stood, eyes unfocused. It had become so horny in the last few moments. She stumbled over to Amber, reaching out a hand. As they made contact, Amber turned to look at Garnet. Garnet immediately tripped, taking Amber to the ground beneath her. She pinned Amber’s arms down, leaning in close to her ear. “And you’re sure we don’t have time for you to use me?” Her voice was thick with lust. “It doesn’t even have to take very long.”

Their eyes met as soon as it pulled away from Amber’s ear, and it saw the woman’s confidence beginning to waver. “Garnet, I– Please, could you just–” She was hopelessly struggling beneath Garnet. “We really need to go. Please don’t make me make you. I need you to come back to your senses.”

Garnet moved her hips to place Amber’s thigh between her legs. Garnet started to grind. “Gods, Amber, you don’t need to make me do anything. You should let me–”

“Stop, my loyal knight.”

***

Amber cursed quietly after she issued her command. She didn’t want to have to do that, especially now. But she couldn’t afford to let Garnet distract her like this. It was frozen in place over her now. “Can you let me up, my knight?”

Garnet nodded and complied, standing slowly. I really wanted to get her out of here without resorting to something like this. Amber picked herself back up off the floor. But I should have expected this much. It’s not even her fault. She quickly swept the rest of the contents of the alcove into the bag, then reached inside. She pulled out a long black channeling glove with golden patterns lining it. Judging it by eye, she estimated that it would probably reach all the way to her shoulder if she tried to wear it. Amber made a mental note to try it later before putting it away. The glove she had with her already would be more than enough.

After she finished packing, she wrapped a cloak she’d brought about Garnet and pulled the hood over her head. Anyone in the castle would recognize either of them at this point, and the last thing Amber wanted was to be stopped. She pulled her partner down the hall hand in hand, intending to make one last stop before leaving. The castle was quieter than she thought it would be, though the Queen’s northern wing was often much less populated than the rest of it. Amber looked around a corner and then turned into another hallway, finally coming to the door to the library.

As they approached, Amber immediately noticed that the door was ajar. How? It’s locked magically. She paused. Selene. She leaned in close to Garnet. “My knight, I need you to wait right here. If anyone comes down the hall, come through the door and tell me immediately.”

“Yes, my Lady,” Garnet whispered back.

Amber kissed her cheek and turned back to the door. With one hand, she pushed it open and slipped inside, closing it quietly behind her but leaving it unlocked. It was quiet, and Amber was quickly overwhelmed by the memories of the last two weeks. She’d spent so much time here with Garnet and Mi– Emilia– studying and practicing, and using…

She shook her head. I need to stay focused.

It can’t function without you.

I’m going to fix what you did. She clenched her fists and stepped further inside. The shelf that led into the Empress’ hidden section was still shut. Amber reached out with her magic and unlocked it, letting it slowly swing open.

“Remove your glo–” Selene couldn’t finish the sentence. She coughed, leaning over the desk inside. “Why are you here? The Empress couldn’t have let you leave so soon.” Selene hacked again, putting a hand to her chest.

Amber held her gloved hand out and approached the study. “She’s dead, Selene. It’s all over now.”

Selene’s eyes shot up, glaring at Amber. “You’re lying.”

“I’m not. I’m going to take Garnet and leave. Your Empress’ body is in the dining room.” Amber grabbed a book on the desk quickly. Selene moved to try and stop her but couldn’t move fast enough, still recovering from her coughing fit. “You should leave here. You can go find a normal life. Somewhere far away from here.”

“I’m not leaving. I should inherit this crown. These people will be mine. You will be too, Amber.” Selene’s lips curled into a sinister smile. “All I need is time.”

“No one is fool enough to let you wear a crown,” Amber spat. “And if you do somehow trick your way into it, I will come back for you myself.” She started to back away from the desk, running her gloved hand against the shelves and doorway as she did. “Don’t try to find Garnet and I.”

“I won’t need to.” Selene stood up straight, and for a moment, Selene was every bit as imposing as Emilia had been. “You will come back to me. And I’ll be waiting for you.”

Amber snapped her fingers and a line of fire roared to life over the shelves she’d touched. Selene screamed. The flames kept the two of them apart while Selene frantically tried to salvage the books that were engulfed. “You’re a damned fool, Amber! This little trick isn’t going to keep you safe! I’ve already learned more than you know!”

Amber turned and darted out of the room, Selene’s voice echoing behind her. She slammed the door to the library shut, pressing her back against it. Garnet was still standing watch. Amber reached out and took her hand. “It’s time we leave here, my knight.”

***

Garnet stretched, opening her pink and blue eyes. She was lying in a comfortable bed, and she pulled the soft sheet tight against her naked body. There was a soft light coming in through the windows, telling her that it was still early in the morning. She sighed, reaching to the other side of the bed for her hands to confirm what she already knew: Amber was already up.

She rolled out of bed and reached for her robe, lazily tying it around her waist. Where could she be? She usually loves sleeping in. It had been two months since the two of them left the Empress’ castle. In that time, Garnet and Amber had been working on trying to get things as close to what they used to be as they could. It had taken a great many trances, commands, and magical investigations, but Garnet was feeling like her old self more often. In most ways, they were making progress. In others, like her name, they found the changes to be impenetrable. Garnet, at least, was here to stay.

The redhead leaned her head out of the door to their room and into the hallway. “Amber? Where are you?”

Silence.

Garnet stepped out of their room and into the hall. They’d been able to secure a new home using some of the money they’d acquired from the Empress’ palace. Most of the rest of it went back to the rebellion. They’d rendezvoused with Brynn after escaping from the castle and spent a few days discussing what the next steps were with regard to their rebellion. With no Empress leading, they needed to make sure that they were able to secure as many towns and villages as possible. By the end, they all agreed that it would be best to make sure Amber had the time to try and help Garnet return to something resembling normal. Perhaps one day, the two of them could return and help once more. For now, Brynn overtook the duties of commander of the rebellion, though they still made sure to stop by with news or requests for advice.

She walked softly into the den. “Amber?” Where would she even go? Garnet took a few more steps forward.

“Freeze, my Knight.”

Garnet immediately went completely still. It was her Lady’s beautiful voice.

“Kneel.”

She melted, sinking down to her knees. She stared forward, her head still completely still. She realized that she was kneeling in front of a chair. Amber materialized in front of her, invisibility fading away and revealing her naked body to Garnet. Her eyes were immediately drawn to her owner’s cock, which was already hardening in front of her.

“That’s my good girl.”

Garnet giggled. “My Lady, may I…?” Her eyes hadn’t budged.

“Not quite yet, love. Are you relaxed for me?”

“Yes, my Lady.”

“You’re going to answer me truthfully now. No playing tough, no pretending. I know you’ll be good for me.”

“Yes, my Lady.”

“How are the echoes?”

Garnet closed her eyes. They’d been a problem. She still had moments of weakness where the Empress’ words pounded in her head, rendering her helpless and needy. Amber still hadn’t found a way to completely remove those suggestions from Emilia. However, without reinforcement, they were slowly becoming easier to deal with. It also helped that Amber knew exactly what Garnet was going through, to a lesser degree. All of the commands that Emilia had given Amber had less time to stick, and Amber had theorized that between her own magical aptitude and Emilia’s desire to have a proper apprentice, it would be easier for her to shed the orders that the Empress had given her. Garnet wasn’t quite as lucky.

“Garnet?”

“Sorry, my Lady. They haven’t been bothering me today, and they hadn’t yesterday either.” Before, when she consciously thought about the echoes, they almost felt like her own thoughts. That was the scariest part. The process to help her understand what was real and what was implanted wasn’t perfect, but it was a lot better than it had been even a month ago. The memories of the things she’d done didn’t hurt anymore. There was a balance between Vivian and Garnet, and they found it much easier to coexist peacefully.

The feelings she had towards Emilia, however, were complicated. There was a part of her that wanted to despise Emilia. The things she had done to Garnet were unthinkable. The way she had changed Luna into Selene, the way she tried to use Garnet to force Amber to become someone else. It was horrific.

The other part of her didn’t hate her at all. She was completely ashamed to say that she truly had been happy being treated that way. The way that she’d been completely overpowered by Emilia was everything she wanted. Every memory of the manipulation the Empress had put her through still made her feel weak in the knees. It felt so incredible to give everything up.

“And how are you feeling now~?” Amber leaned forward and tilted Garnet’s eyes up to meet hers.

Garnet was glad that she was already on her knees. She couldn’t possibly break the eye contact that Amber had forced her into, and she didn’t want to. Her mind slowed to a crawl. She felt Amber’s fingers tracing over her lips, and she parted them.

“I know, my knight. You don’t have to speak.” Amber, on the other hand, loved how easy it was to make Garnet let down her guard now. She relished in making Garnet surrender to her. “Spread your legs.”

“Yes, my Lady,” Garnet breathed, forcing herself to speak. It was important to her that she say the words. She parted her thighs, exposing herself to her Lady.

“Mantra.”

Garnet moaned as Amber’s command struck her. “My life is my Lady’s. Her pleasure is my pleasure. Her word is my will.” The mantra spilled out of her, completely automatic. And it was all true. Garnet would give anything for her Lady.

“Good girl. You can touch me now, my knight.” Amber opened her legs and Garnet immediately pulled herself forward, kissing the tip of Amber’s cock. It was so good to be her Lady’s. Every touch of her partner’s skin left her that much more enthralled, that much more in love. Amber’s pleasure was Garnet’s pleasure.

She took the entirety of Amber’s cock into her mouth, and her owner ran her hands through Garnet’s hair. “My brave knight. You’ve– oh, gods, Garnet. You’ve been so brave for me, so dedicated– Aah–” Amber twitched, and Garnet reached down to touch her clit. Lust burned in her, demanding that she please her Lady. “This is your most sacred duty, isn’t it?”

“Yes, my Lady,” Garnet moaned.

***

Amber had been cautious about returning to this dynamic. She had a deep fear of Garnet being reduced to the toy that Emilia had turned her into. The echoes had left an impression on her as well, constantly trying to convince her that the love of her life was incapable of being the person that she was meant to be. Indulging in the desire to dominate her brave knight had not been an easy decision.

But Amber refused to let the Empress take this from her.

“Stand up and remove your robe, then bend over the arm of the couch.” Amber’s voice was firm, and Garnet obeyed it quickly. The robe fell to the floor, and Amber couldn’t help but stare at her partner. She still had the body of the warrior that Amber knew and loved, bearing every scar from their time fighting. Every inch of her skin was intimately familiar, and every inch of her belonged to Amber.

As Garnet bent herself over the arm of the couch, Amber stood. Garnet’s legs were spread wide for her Lady. “You’re mine, Garnet.” She teased Garnet’s slit with her fingers, then pressed the head of her cock against it. “What do you say, my knight?”

“Gods, my Lady, please. I need you inside of me, I need you I need you–”

Amber thrust herself into her knight and groaned. She always felt incredible. “Lose yourself in this pleasure, my knight. This is– Ah!– This is why you serve me. Repeat your mantra until I tell you to stop.”

“M–My life is my Lady’s. Her pleasure is my– Oh gods, my, my pleasure. Her word is my will!” Garnet’s cunt was tight around Amber’s cock, and every thrust made her stutter and gasp. Amber reached down and yanked on a fistful of Garnet’s hair, making her cry out. It felt so right to be in control of her. Listening to Garnet mindlessly repeat her devotion made Amber so turned on.

Amber felt herself approach the edge. She slowed her pace just enough to let her ride there a bit longer, but she was not interested in denying herself. “Gh– Garnet, I’m…”

“Please please, I–” Garnet whimpered. “Mmmmmy life is my Lady’s. Her p-pleasure is… Her pleasure is my pleasure,” she stammered. Her mouth continued moving, the words barely above a whisper. Amber could tell that she was getting more overwhelmed the closer that she came to the edge. She wouldn’t cum unless Amber did.

“Are you ready, my knight?”

“Gods, yes, my Lady, please!”

“Good girl, Garnet,” Amber groaned out. She thrust into Garnet, burying herself deep in her cunt before cumming. As soon as she began to moan, she felt Garnet do the same. She leaned forward, wrapping her arms around her knight, slamming her hips into her over and over again until the both collapsed onto the couch.

They took their time to recover. Amber stood first as she always did, giving Garnet a kiss on the cheek as she did so. She pulled her loyal knight in close. “You’re always so good for me. I love you, Garnet.”

“I love you too, Lady Amber.” Garnet nuzzled her head into Amber’s chest. “I’ll always be yours.”

Amber smiled, kissing Garnet’s red hair. “You will. You will always, always be mine.”